ใกล้
glâi/klaj˥˩/
The Thai word for 'near' is ใกล้ (glâi).
ใกล้ is used as a preposition to indicate being in close proximity to something or someone. It can also function as an adjective meaning 'physically close'.
Meaning: in close proximity to (prep)
Which one should you use?
The word ใกล้ (near) is the antonym of ไกล (far). Additionally, adding the repetition symbol to create ใกล้ๆ emphasizes that a location is 'very near'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that an event or state is 'near' happening (such as being 'near completion'), you can use the pattern ใกล้จะ followed by a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /klaj˥˩/. The romanization is glâi.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse ใกล้ (near) with ไกล (far). Although the words look similar, they have opposite meanings.
Did you know?
- Thai speakers often use the phrase ใกล้ตาย to describe something that is 'near death', but it can also be used colloquially to mean something is extremely exhausted.
- While ใกล้ means 'near', adding the word for 'heart' creates ใกล้ใจ, a poetic way to describe someone who is cherished or held dear.
- The word ใกล้ originates from the Proto-Tai root *k.raɰꟲ, which has shaped similar-sounding words across several distinct ethnic language groups in the region.
Examples in context
- ผมรู้ว่าคุณอยู่ใกล้I know you're near.This sentence uses ใกล้ to indicate someone's proximity.Tatoeba #10103876 by Somsak, translation #3726267 by CM
- อาคารนี้ใกล้เสร็จแล้วThis building is near completion.This sentence uses ใกล้ to describe being near the completion of a task.Tatoeba #8679127 by pastelite, translation #59444 by CK
- ทอมอาศัยอยู่ใกล้ที่นี่Tom lives near here.This sentence uses ใกล้ to describe living near a specific location.Tatoeba #10599634 by Somsak, translation #3434380 by CK
- ร้านกาแฟนี้อยู่ใกล้ๆ โรงแรมThis coffee shop is very near the hotel.
- ร้านของเล่นนี้อยู่ใกล้โรงเรียนThis toy store is near the school.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “near” translations and entries ใกล้, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ใกล้, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
